Chelsea hand Enzo Fernandez two-match ban over comment on potential Madrid move

Chelsea midfielder, Enzo Fernandez has been sanctioned by the club after appearing to advocate for a move to European rivals Real Madrid during the international break. 

Liam Rosenior says Real Madrid target Enzo Fernandez will not play in Chelsea’s next two matches because of comments he made about his future.

Fernandez will miss the FA Cup quarter-final tie on Saturday against Port Vale, and next Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.

But Rosenior revealed no disciplinary action would be taken against Marc Cucurella after he criticised the club’s recruitment policy and questioned Enzo Maresca’s exit in an interview over the international break.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way,” Rosenior said.

“I have got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. As a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.

“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors. The ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision.

“The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.”

Rosenior said he spent 30 minutes talking with Cucurella on Thursday and believes the Spain international is “fully committed”.

Chelsea have won 10 of their 19 games since Rosenior took charge in January, losing seven and drawing two.

They sit sixth in the Premier League and are six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the race for a Champions League spot.